U.S. patent application number 13/099122 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for cooling system for mobile electronic devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Teodor Dabov, David Kumka, Fletcher Rothkopf.
Application Number | 20120281354 13/099122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47090079 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120281354 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rothkopf; Fletcher ; et
al. |
November 8, 2012 |
COOLING SYSTEM FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Abstract
A cooling system for a mobile computing device configured to
drive two devices, a fan and an alert device. The fan cools
components of the mobile computing device by exchanging air between
an inner cavity of the mobile computing device and an outer
environment surrounding the mobile computing device. The alert
device produces an alert, e.g., a vibration, for the mobile
computing device. The cooling system includes a motor operably
connected to a first device (either the fan or the alert device)
and operably connected via a clutch to a second device (either the
fan or the alert device). The clutch allows the second device to be
selectively activated depending on a speed or rotational direction
of a drive shaft of the motor.
Inventors: |
Rothkopf; Fletcher; (Los
Altos, CA) ; Dabov; Teodor; (San Francisco, CA)
; Kumka; David; (Briarcliff Manor, NY) |
Assignee: |
Apple Inc.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
47090079 |
Appl. No.: |
13/099122 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.48 ;
361/679.46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/016 20130101;
G06F 1/203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.48 ;
361/679.46 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/20 20060101
G06F001/20 |
Claims
1. A mobile computing device, comprising: a processor; an enclosure
at least partially surrounding the processor; a motor in electrical
communication with the processor; a receiving port defining a
channel through the enclosure; a cooling element selectively
operably connected to the motor, the cooling element in fluid
communication with the receiving port; and a secondary device
selectively operably connected to the motor; wherein at least one
of the cooling element and secondary device are configured to be
activated independently of the other.
2. The mobile computing device of claim 1, further comprising a
clutch operably connected between the motor and alert device,
wherein the clutch is configured to selectively activate the
secondary device.
3. The mobile computing device of claim 1, further comprising a
clutch operably connected between the motor and the cooling
element, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively activate
the cooling element.
4. The mobile computing device of claim 1, further comprising a
clutch operably connected to the motor and one of the cooling
element or the secondary device, wherein the clutch is configured
to selectively activate one of the cooling element or the secondary
device.
5. The mobile computing device of claim 1, further comprising: a
drum operably connected to the secondary device comprising an
engagement body; and a drum shaft extending from the engagement
body; and a clutch operably connected the motor and at least
partially received within the engagement body of the drum, wherein
the clutch is configured to selectively activate the secondary
device.
6. The mobile computing device of claim 5, wherein the clutch
further comprises: a hub received within the engagement body; an
engagement member operably connected via a flexible member to the
hub; and wherein the engagement member is configured to selectively
connect the clutch with the drum.
7. The mobile computing device of claim 6, wherein the motor
further comprises a drive shaft operably connected to the hub and
configured to selectively rotate the hub, and when the hub reaches
a select speed the engagement members engage with an inner surface
of the engagement body so that the drum shaft and the drive shaft
are rotate at approximately the same speed.
8. The mobile computing device of claim 5, wherein the clutch
further comprises a hub configured to be received within the
engagement body, the hub defining an engagement arm configured to
rotate at a living hinge; and wherein the engagement arm is
configured to selectively engage an inner surface of the engagement
body so that the hub and the drum rotate at approximately the same
speed.
9. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the secondary
device is a mass configured to produce a vibration when
rotated.
10. A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure defining
a cavity; a receiving port adjacent the enclosure, the receiving
port defining a passage between an enclosure interior and enclosure
exterior, and configured to receive a portion of an external
device; a cooling system connected to the enclosure, comprising: a
motor; and a fan mechanically activated by the motor and in fluid
communication with the receiving port; and an alert device
mechanically activated by the motor.
11. The portable electronic device of claim 10, further comprising
an alert device operably connected to the motor, wherein the motor
is configured to selectively rotate the alert device.
12. The portable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the cooling
system further comprises a clutch operably connected to the motor
and the alert device.
13. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the cooling
system further comprises: a drum selectively associated with the
clutch; and the motor further comprises a drive shaft operably
connected to the clutch and configured to selectively rotate the
clutch; wherein the clutch selectively engages the drum and when
the drum and the clutch are engaged together, the clutch and the
drum rotate at approximately the same speed.
14. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein the clutch
further comprises: a hub operably connected to the motor; and an
engagement arm configured to selectively engage an inner surface of
the drum.
15. A portable electronic device, comprising: an enclosure defining
a cavity; a processor operably connected to an inner surface of the
enclosure; a port operably connected to the enclosure and
configured to provide an air pathway between the cavity and an
outer environment of the enclosure; and a cooling system operably
connected to the inner surface of the enclosure, wherein the
cooling system is configured to exchange air between the cavity and
the outer environment via the port.
16. The cellular phone of claim 15, further comprising a mass
operably connected to the enclosure to the cooling system, wherein
the mass is configured to selectively rotate to vibrate the
enclosure.
17. The cellular phone of claim 16, wherein the cooling system
further comprises: a motor operably connected to the enclosure and
in communication with the processor; a fan operably connected to
the motor; a clutch operably connected to the motor; and a drum
operably connected to the mass and selectively operably connected
to the clutch.
18. The cellular phone of claim 17, wherein the clutch further
comprises: a ratchet configured to be at least partially received
within the drum; and a pawl operably connected to the drum, wherein
when the ratchet rotates in a first direction the pawl is operably
engaged with the ratchet and when the ratchet rotates in a second
direction, the pawl is disengaged with the ratchet.
19. The cellular phone of claim 17, wherein the clutch further
comprises a hub defining engagement arms that are configured to
selectively engage the drum depending on a rotation speed of the
hub.
20. The cellular phone of claim 15, wherein the jack is an audio
jack configured to receive a tip connector ring plug.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to computing
devices, and more specifically, to cooling devices for computing
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic devices are ubiquitous in society and can be
found in everything from wristwatches to computers. Additionally,
portable or mobile electronic devices (e.g., smart phones, cell
phones, MP3 players, portable gaming devices, and the like) are
being used for more complex computing processes. The desire for
mobile electronic devices to be able to perform more complex
processes requires faster and more powerful processing devices.
However, faster and more powerful processing devices may produce
more heat than prior processors used in mobile devices. This may be
a problem as many mobile electronic devices are designed to be
small and compact, thus there many not be extra room within an
enclosure for heat to dissipate.
SUMMARY
[0003] One example of the disclosure may take the form of a mobile
computing device including a processor, a receiving port, a motor,
a fan and an alert device. The receiving port is in communication
with the processor and is configured to receive a plug for an
output device. The receiving port may include an input aperture
configured to provide a communication channel between an inner
surface of the mobile communication device and an outer surface of
the mobile communication device. The motor is in communication with
the processor, and the fan is operably connected to the motor. The
fan is selectively activated and at least a portion of the fan is
substantially aligned with the input aperture of the receiving
port. Finally, the alert device is operably connected to the motor
and is configured to be selectively activated to produce an alert
for the mobile computing device.
[0004] Another example of the disclosure may take the form of a
portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may
include an enclosure defining a cavity, a receiving port, and a
cooling system. The receiving port is formed in to the enclosure
and configured to receive a plug electronically connected to an
external device. The receiving port includes a first aperture
defined through the receiving port and connecting the cavity of the
enclosure with an outer surface of the enclosure. The cooling
system is operably connected to an alert device and the enclosure.
The cooling system includes a motor and a fan operably connected to
the motor and substantially aligned with at least a portion of the
first aperture of the receiving port, such that air passing between
the outside and the inside of the enclosure passes at least
partially around the fan.
[0005] Still other examples of the present disclosure may take the
form of a cellular phone. The cellular phone may include an
enclosure defining a cavity, a processor operably connected to an
inner surface of the enclosure and a jack operably connected to the
enclosure. The jack is configured to provide an air pathway between
the cavity and an outer environment of the enclosure. Finally, the
cellular phone may also include a cooling system operably connected
to the inner surface of the enclosure. The cooling system is
configured to exchange air between the cavity and the outer
environment via the jack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile computing
device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the mobile computing
device.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the mobile
computing device viewed along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, illustrating a
cooling system with various components of the mobile computing
device hidden for clarity.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the cooling system
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevation view of the cooling
system illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a drum operably
associated with a clutch of the cooling system illustrated in FIG.
3, showing the clutch disengaged from the drum.
[0012] FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of the drum operably
associated with the clutch of the cooling system illustrated in
FIG. 3, showing the clutch engaged with the drum.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of
the cooling system for a mobile computing device.
[0014] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a motor operably connected to
a vibrating mass of the cooling system illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the motor operably
connected to the vibrating mass illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0016] FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a
clutch for the cooling system.
[0017] FIG. 10B is a front elevation view of the clutch illustrated
in FIG. 10A.
[0018] FIG. 11A is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of
a clutch for the cooling system.
[0019] FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of the clutch illustrated
in FIG. 11A.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a
clutch utilizing a ratchet and pawl configuration for the cooling
system.
SPECIFICATION
Overview
[0021] Certain embodiments herein take the form of a cooling system
for a mobile computing device. The cooling system may be operably
connected to an alert and/or vibrating system, so that a single
motor may rotate both a fan and a second device, such as a mass
that when rotated, vibrates the mobile computing device. The
cooling system may be positioned within an enclosure of the device
so that it may cool various components of the device, such as a
processor, battery, and/or other components that may become
overheated in certain conditions. For example, the cooling system
may pass air over the various devices within the enclosure;
likewise, the cooling system may exhaust warm air from within the
enclosure to outside of the enclosure.
[0022] The cooling system may include a fan that receives air via
an intake through an opening in the device enclosure, such as an
audio port. Alternatively, the fan may exhaust air out through the
audio port or an input port. The fan may be operably connected to a
motor in order to selectively pull or push air through the intake
to cool the various components of the mobile computing device
within the enclosure.
[0023] The cooling system also may include a motor, a drum and a
clutch. Further, the cooling system may be connected to a mass. The
motor may selectively rotate or otherwise move the mass and the
fan. The motor may be selectively connected to both the fan and the
mass. For example, the mass may be used as an alert function for
the mobile computing device to indicate various states or statuses
of the mobile computing device (e.g., a call or message being
received, a low battery state, receipt of a message, a timed
reminder, and so forth). The motor may rotate the mass when the
mobile computing device is in the proper status. The motor is also
operably connected to the fan, and may cause the fan to rotate when
a select temperature is reached within the enclosure or other
activating status is reached.
[0024] The cooling system is configured so that the vibrating mass
and/or the fan may be selectively engaged with the motor. The
clutch may be positioned between the drive shaft of the motor and
the mass or the fan. The clutch may selectively operably connect
the fan and/or mass to the drive shaft of the motor. In these
embodiments, the motor may selectively rotate the fan or the
vibrating mass, so that the fan may cool select components without
vibrating the device or vice versa. For example, the motor may be
configured to rotate both the fan and the mass, but the mass may
not rotate every time the fan rotates and the fan may not rotate
every time the mass rotates. Thus, the cooling system may require
only a single motor to operate two separate devices, but the mobile
computing device may not vibrate every time the fan is operated,
thereby saving power and reducing operational noise.
[0025] The clutch is operably connected to the motor and
selectively engages a drum to operably connect either the rotating
mass or the fan to the motor. In some embodiments, the clutch may
selectively engage and disengage the mass and/or fan based on the
rotational speed of a drive shaft of the motor. For example, the
clutch may include engagement members operably connected to a hub
of the clutch via flexible members, such as a spring, or may be
configured to flex due to a living hinge. The engagement members
selectively connect to a drum shaft, or second drive shaft that
controls the select component (e.g., the other component not
connected to the motor drive shaft). When the speed of the motor
exceeds a threshold a centrifugal force generated by the clutch hub
causes the engagement members to move outward. The engagement
members may frictionally engage an inner surface of the drum,
causing the second drive or drum drive shaft to rotate at
approximately the same rate as the motor drive shaft.
[0026] Additionally, the engagement members may be selectively
activated to engage the drum based on a rotational direction of the
motor drive shaft. For example, in other embodiments, the clutch
may include a ratchet and pawl mechanism. In these embodiments, the
pawl may be operably connected to a ratchet wheel to substantially
prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in a select direction,
while permitting rotation in an opposing direction. The pawl may
engage the clutch to prevent the alert device or the fan from
rotating regardless of the speed of the motor.
Detailed Description
[0027] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile computing device
100, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the mobile
computing device 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the mobile
computing device 100 viewed along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 with various
components of the mobile computing device 100 omitted for clarity.
The mobile computing device 100 may include a cooling system 110
for cooling or circulating air or other coolants across various
components. The mobile computing 100 device may be virtually any
type of electronic device, such as a smart phone (e.g., iPhone by
APPLE) , digital music player (e.g., MP3 player), video gaming
device, tablet computer, and so on.
[0028] The mobile computing device 100 may include any or all of
the cooling system 110, an enclosure 104 at least partially
surrounds various components of the device 100, a display screen
102, an input member 106, and a receiving port 108. The enclosure
104 defines a cavity that may at least partially enclose the
various components of the mobile computing device 100.
Additionally, the enclosure 104 may define an aperture in order to
allow select components to extend past or communicate outside, the
enclosure. For example, a button or switch may be inserted through
an aperture in the enclosure so that a user may activate the
button, or a charging plug or audio plug may be inserted or
positioned through an aperture of the enclosure to communicate with
internal components.
[0029] The display screen 102 provides an output for the mobile
computing device 100. The display screen 102 may be a liquid
crystal display screen, plasma screen, and so on. Additionally, in
some embodiments the display screen 102 may function as both an
input and an output device. For example, the display screen 102 may
include a capacitive input sensors so that a user may provide input
signals to the mobile computing device 100 via his or her
finger.
[0030] The input member 106 permits a user to provide input to the
mobile computing device 100. The input member 106 may be one or
more buttons, switches, or the like that may be pressed, flipped,
or otherwise activated order to provide an input to the mobile
computing device 106. For example, the input member 106 may be a
button to alter the volume, return to a home screen, or the like.
Additionally, the input member 106 may be virtually any size,
shape, and may be located in any area of the mobile computing
device 100. Furthermore, the input member 106 may be combined with
the display screen 102 as a capacitive touch screen.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the mobile computing device 100
may also include a receiving port 108 configured to receive a plug
such as an analog audio plug, charging cord, output device, a tip
ring sleeve connector, and the like. The receiving port 108 is
formed in the enclosure 104 to electrically connect an external
device (e.g., headphones, speakers) to one or more internal
components of the mobile computing device 100. The receiving port
108 forms a body that defines an input aperture 112 configured to
provide a pathway between the outside surface of the mobile
computing device and the internal components surrounded or encased
bye the enclosure. For example, the input aperture 112 may be in
fluid communication (e.g., exchanging air between the cavity and
the outer surface of the mobile computing device 100).
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the input aperture 112 may be at
least partially exposed on an outside surface of the mobile
computing device 100. This allows for a plug to be inserted into
the input aperture 112, without requiring the enclosure 104 to be
removed. In other examples, the input aperture 112 may terminate
before the enclosure and be aligned with the aperture or port
defined within the enclosure. Additionally, as mentioned above, the
input aperture 112 may be able to provide an air pathway between an
outside surface of the mobile computing device 100 and the internal
components surrounded or encased by the enclosure 104. Thus, the
input aperture 112 provides an intake and/or an exhaust for the
cooling system 110.
[0033] The receiving port 108 is configured to receive a plug (not
shown), which may be inserted into an input aperture 112. As shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4, the receiving port 108 may include a main body
114 defining the input aperture 112 from a first end to a second
end. The input aperture 112 may run the entire length of the body
114, and may include an open front and back end. In these
embodiments, the receiving port 108 may have an opening defined
throughout the main body 114. The input aperture 112 may include
electrical contracts 116 lining its sides, and the electrical
contacts 116 may be aligned with a corresponding receiver contract
on the plug (not shown).
[0034] The mobile computing device 100 also includes a cooling
system 110 operably connected to the enclosure 104. The cooling
system 110 is configured to be partially aligned with the receiving
port 108 and may provide multiple functions. For example, the
cooling system 110 may cool the internal components of the mobile
computing device 100 encased within the enclosure 104, and may also
provide an alert function (e.g., a vibration) for select status
alerts for the mobile computing device 100 (e.g., phone call, text
message, and so on). The cooling system 110 is discussed in more
detail below.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the mobile
computing device 100 illustrating select electrical components. The
mobile computing device 100 may include a processor 124, memory
120, a network/communication interface 122, and an input/output
interface 126 all connected together by a system bus 128. The
mobile computing device 100 may include additional components that
are not shown; and FIG. 2 is meant to be exemplary only.
[0036] The network/communication interface 122 may receive and
transmit various electrical signals. For example, the
network/communication interface 122 may be used to place phone
calls from the mobile computing device 100, may be used to receive
data from a network, or may be used to send and transmit electronic
signals via a wireless or wired connection (e.g., Internet, WiFi,
Bluetooth, or Ethernet).
[0037] The memory 120 may store electronic data that may be
utilized by mobile computing device 100. For example, the memory
120 may store electrical data e.g., audio files, video files,
document files, and so on, corresponding to various applications.
The memory 120 may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a
magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical
storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable
programmable memory, or flash memory.
[0038] The processor 116 may control operation of the mobile
computing device 100 and its various components. The processor 116
may be in communication with the cooling system 110 and may
activate the cooling system 110 as necessary or desired. The
processor 116 may be any electronic device cable of processing,
receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the
processor 116 may be a microprocessor or a microcomputer.
[0039] The input/output interface 118 facilitates communication by
the mobile computing device 100 to and from a variety of
devices/sources. For example, the input/output interface 118 may
receive data from user, control buttons on the mobile computing
device 100, and so on. Additionally, the input/output interface 118
may also receive/transmit data to and from an external drive, e.g.,
a universal serial bus (USB), or other video/audio/data inputs.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the cooling system 110
for the mobile computing device 100 illustrating the positional
relationship of the receiving port 108. FIG. 5 is a side elevation
view of the cooling system 110 alone. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the
cooling system 110 may include a motor 118 electrically connected
to the processor 124 and operably connected to a fan 130 and an
alert device 136. The motor 118 may be operably connected to the
fan 130 by a drive shaft 132 and may be connected to the alert
device 126 by a clutch 138 and drum 134 (via a drum drive shaft
140). Thus, the motor 118 is configured to selectively rotate the
fan 130 and the alert device 136. Also, it should be noted that,
although the fan 130 is illustrated as a primary device (for
example, connected to the drive shaft 132 of the motor 118), in
some embodiments the fan 130 is connected to the motor 118 as the
secondary device (that is connected to the motor 118, the drum 134,
and clutch 138) and the alert device 136 may be the primary device
(see, e.g., FIG. 6).
[0041] The motor 118 may be substantially any device that can be
configured to move or rotate a drive shaft 132. For example, the
motor 118 may be a direct current motor that is configured to be
activated when an input voltage (or other signal) is provided by
the processor 126. However, other alternatives are possible. For
example, the motor 118 may be an electrical actuator. The motor 118
is configured to engage the fan 130 or the alert device 126
depending on a signal from the processor 126.
[0042] A drive shaft 132 is operably connected to, and rotated by
the motor 118. The drive shaft 132 may extend through a body of the
motor 118, so that the drive shaft 132 may rotate a device on
either side of the motor 118. In other embodiments, the drive shaft
132 may be separated into two separate members, namely one
extending from each side of the motor 118. It should be noted that
the motor 118 may be powerful enough to rotate the drive shaft 132,
even when a load or mass is applied the ends of the drive shaft 132
ends. For example, in one embodiment, the drive shaft 132 may be
operably connected to two separate devices (fan 130 and alert
device 136) and the motor 118 is powerful enough to rotate both
devices simultaneously.
[0043] The device (fan 130 or alert device 136) connected to the
motor 118 via the drive shaft 132 may rotate whenever the motor 118
is powered or operating. However, the device that connects to the
motor 118 via the clutch 138 and drum 134, typically is activated
selectively, depending on a speed or other indicator of the motor
118, and may not rotate every time the drive shaft 132 rotates.
[0044] The fan 130 is operably connected to a first end of the
drive shaft 132 such that, as the drive shaft 132 rotates, the fan
130 rotates. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fan 130 may be
positioned within the enclosure 104 and is substantially aligned
with the input aperture 112 of the receiving port 108. This
positioning allows the fan 130 to communicate air between the
enclosure 104 and the outside the enclosure 104.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the fan 130 may include a
fan body 146 defining a center aperture 148 that houses or
encircles a fan hub 142. The fan hub 142 is operably connected to
the drive shaft 132 and thus rotates as the drive shaft 132
rotates. Blades 144 extend outward from a center of the fan hub 142
and are intermittently spaced around the fan hub 142. The blades
144 also rotate as the drive shaft 132 rotates.
[0046] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the fan 130
may include the fan hub 142 and the blades 144, but not the fan
body 146. For example, the enclosure 104 may provide substantial
protection of the blades 144 and the fan body 146 may be
omitted.
[0047] As the blades 144 and the fan hub 142 rotate, the blades 144
pull air from one direction and push the air in another direction.
In one embodiment, the blades 144 may rotate and pull air through
the input aperture 112 within the receiving port 108 and push it
through the cavity of the mobile computing device 104 defined by
the inner surfaces of the enclosure 104. Air external to the mobile
computing device 100 may be substantially or partially cooler than
air trapped within the enclosure 104 cavity; this air may be moved
through the cavity to cool internal components . For example, as
the processor 126 operates it may produce heat which may need to be
dissipated so that the processor 126 may not overheat or be
damaged. The fan 130 may push air across the processor 126 to cool
it.
[0048] Alternatively, the blades 144 may exhaust air from within
the mobile computing device 100 out through the receiving port 108.
For example, the blades 144 may rotate to pull air from within the
cavity defined by the enclosure 104 and then push the air outside
of the enclosure 104 via the input aperture 112 of the receiving
port 108. As air internal to the mobile computing device 100 may be
heated from heat produced by the internal components of the mobile
computing device (e.g., the processor 126), the hot or warm air may
be pushed outside of the enclosure 104. Thus, by exhausting the hot
or warm air, non-heated air may be pulled or circulated around the
components of the mobile computing device 100.
[0049] In these embodiments, the fan 130 is positioned within the
enclosure 104 so that the blades 144 may be aligned or partially
aligned with the input aperture 112 of the receiving port 108. This
positioning provides for an efficient cooling mechanism for
components of the mobile computing device 100 such as the processor
126, as air from within the cavity of the enclosure 104 can be
exchanged with air from an environment surrounding the mobile
computing device 100 of exhausted to the exterior environment.
[0050] In other embodiments, the fan 130 may be positioned within
the enclosure 140 so that the blades may be aligned or partially
aligned with other apertures defined in the enclosure 104, other
than the input aperture 112 for the receiving port 108. For
example, the blades 144 may be at least partially aligned with a
speaker grill, beneath a button or a switch, or other
openings/ports within the mobile computing device 100.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the alert device 136 may be
selectively connected to the motor 118. The mobile computing
devices 100 may include multiple alerts such as an audio tone, a
light, and a vibration. The alert device 136 may function to alert
a user to a notification. The alert device 136 may be a mass or
other member that may be configured to produce a vibration when
rotated. For example, the alert device 136 may be a weight that is
operably connected off-center or eccentric to a drive shaft that
rotates the alert device 136. Thus, as the alert device 136 is
rotated, the off-centered connection and the rotation may cause the
mobile computing device 100 to vibrate. The alert device 136 may be
configured to provide the vibration level desired. For example, the
larger the alert device 136, the more substantial the vibrations
resulting from its rotation.
[0052] In one embodiment, the alert device 136, when the clutch 138
is engaged, may be operably connected to the motor 118 via the drum
134. The clutch 138 selectively engages the drum 13, which is
operably connected to the alert device 136 via a drum shaft 140.
For example, the motor 118 may rotate the drive shaft 132 rotating
the fan 130. However, the clutch 138 may prevent the alert device
136 from also rotating as the clutch 138 may not engage the drum
140. However, the clutch 138 may be selectively activated and may
then engage the drum 134. Once the drum 134 is engaged, the alert
device 136 may rotate as well.
[0053] In the engagement of FIG. 6, the drum 134 is operably
connected to the alert device 136 and the clutch 138. The drum 134
includes an engagement body 156 that may be a partially or
substantially hollow cylindrical body and configured to receive a
portion of the clutch 138. The engagement body 156 is open on a
first, or front, side and closed on a second, or back, side. The
drum 134 further includes a drum shaft 140 extending from a back of
the engagement body 156. The drum 134 is configured to rotate when
engaged by or otherwise operably connected to, the clutch 138.
[0054] The clutch 138 is inserted into the engagement body 156 of
the drum 134 and may selectively engage the drum 134. FIG. 6A is a
cross-section view of drum 134 operably connected to the clutch 138
with the clutch 138 disengaged from the drum 134 and FIG. 6B is a
cross-section view of the drum 134 operably connected to the clutch
138 and engaged with the clutch 138. The clutch 138 includes a hub
158 and engagement members 154 operably connected to the hub 158
via flexible members 150.
[0055] The hub 158 is positioned within a portion of the engagement
body 156 but may not contact the inner surface of the engagement
body 156 in the absence of centrifugal forces. For example, the hub
158 may be spaced from the engagement body 156 by a distance X. The
hub 158 may be Y-shaped with arms extending radially from a center
point of the Y-shaped body.
[0056] The engagement members 154 operably connect to a portion of
each hub 158 arm. Additionally, outer surfaces of the engagement
members 154 may be shaped to generally correspond to the outer
perimeter of the hub 158. For example, a portion of a perimeter of
each engagement member 154 may be triangular shaped and be
positioned between each arm of the hub 158. The engagement members
154 engage an inner surface of the engagement body 156 at select
motor speeds. For example, the engagement members 154 may move
outwards from the center point of the hub 158 a distance X and be
adjacent to an inner surface of the engagement body 156. The
engagement members 154 may include a surface texture or frictional
surface on an outer surface to better allow the engagement members
154 to engage the engagement body 156.
[0057] The flexible members 150 are connected to the arms of the
hub 158 and to the engagement members 154. These flexible members
150 selectively frictionally connect the engagement members 154 to
the hub 158. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible members
150 allow the engagement members 154 to move between contacting the
engagement body 156 and the hub 158. The flexible members 150 may
be springs or other flexible materials that hold the engagement
members 154 in place during select rotational speeds but also allow
the engagement members 154 to flex away from the hub 158 under
sufficient centrifugal force. The flexible members 150 may exert an
initial or biasing force against the engagement members 154 in
order to maintain the engagement members 154 adjacent the hub 158.
This biasing force may be less than a centrifugal force at selected
speeds, thereby allowing the engagement members 154 to swing
outwards from their initial position adjacent the hub 158 at the
select speed or greater.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the engagement members 154 are in
an initial position, such as a disengaged position, there may be a
distance X between each engagement member 154 and the inner surface
of the engagement body 15. Further, the engagement members 154 may
be in contact with or adjacent to an outer surface of the hub 158.
As described above, the flexible members 150 may include a biasing
or initial force that may hold the engagement members 154 in
position adjacent the hub 158 while the clutch 138 rotates at a
less select speed. When the clutch 138 is disengaged and the
engagement members 154 positioned away from the engagement body
156, the alert device 136 will not rotate. This is because the drum
shaft 140 is not operably connected to the drive shaft 132, and the
clutch 138 therefore rotates within the engagement body 156 without
substantially contacting the engagement body 156.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6B, as the motor 118 increases the
speed of the drive shaft 132, the clutch 138 engages when the
select speed is reached. As the speed of the drive shaft 132
reaches a particular rotational velocity , the centrifugal force
exerted on the engagement members 154 overcomes the biasing force
of the flexible members 154, thereby forcing the engagement members
143 outward. This allows the engagement members 154 to be pulled
outward by the centrifugal force. The engagement members 154
separate from their cradled positioned adjacent the hub 158 when
flexed outwards. The flexible members 150 allow the engagement
members 154 to move outwards from the hub 158 to engage with the
inner surface of the engagement body 156.
[0060] After the engagement members 154 move outward, they may be
adjacent to against the inner surface of the engagement body 156.
This allows the engagement members 154 to engage the engagement
body 156, for example, by a frictional contact between the two
surfaces as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0061] Once the engagement body 156 and engagement members 154
frictionally connect, the engagement body 156 rotates along with
and at substantially the same rotational speed as the clutch 138.
This is because, when the clutch 138 is engaged with the drum 134,
the drum 134 rotates as the drive shaft 132 rotates. As the drum
shaft 140 rotates, the alert device 136 rotates. Thus, when the
clutch 138 engages the drum 134, the fan 130 and the alert device
136 both rotate. However, when the clutch 138 is disengaged, only
the fan 130 rotates. This selective engagement configuration
permits the single motor 118 to operate two separate devices,
possibly saving space and energy for the mobile computing device
100. Additionally, the clutch mechanism 138 may also prevent the
alert device 136 from being activated when cooling is necessary
(and preventing false alerts). This helps to decrease the noise
associated with the mobile computing device 100 when the cooling
system 110 is activated. For example, this selective engagement
configuration prevents the mobile computing device 100 from
vibrating (due to the alert device 136) every time that the fan 130
is activated.
Alternative Configurations of the Cooling System
[0062] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of another configuration of
the cooling system 210. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the motor
118 operably connected to the alert device 136 via the drive shaft
132. FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the motor 118 operably
connected to the alert device 136. In the configuration illustrated
in FIGS. 7-9, the fan 130 may be selectively connected to the motor
118 via the clutch 138 and drum 134, and the alert device 136 may
be operably connected to the motor 118 via the drive shaft 132. In
other words, the alert device 136 may be the primary device and may
rotate whenever the drive shaft 132 rotates, and the fan 130 may be
the secondary device and rotate when the clutch is engaged.
[0063] In this configuration, the alert device 136 may be operably
connected to the drive shaft 132 and positioned adjacent a first
end of the motor 118. In this position, the total length of the
drive shaft 132 may be reduced, which in turn may reduce the total
length of the cooling system 210. By reducing the size of the
cooling system 210, the cooling system 210 may occupy less space in
the mobile computing device 100, while also providing cooling to
computing elements, such as the processor 126.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the fan 130 is connected to the motor
118 via the clutch 138 and drum 134. Thus, the fan 130 may be
selectively rotated when the motor 118 drives the drive shaft 132
at a select speed. For example, as discussed above with respect to
FIGS. 6A and 6B, the engagement members 154 may only engage the
engagement body 156 when the drive shaft 132 reaches a particular
rotational speed. Therefore, as the fan 130 is operably connected
to the drum shaft 140, the fan 130 may only rotate when the
centrifugal force acting on the engagement members 154 is strong
enough that the clutch 138 engages the drum 134.
[0065] In the cooling system 210 configuration illustrated in FIGS.
7-9 may mask the fan 130 noise by the vibration (or other alert)
created by the alert device 136. For example, the fan 130 may make
some noise as the blades 144 are rotating. However, because the fan
130 is activated only when the alert device 136 is activated, the
sound of the vibration may be louder than the sound produced by the
fan 130. Thus, the cooling system 210 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be
less perceivable to a user when operating than the embodiment of
the cooling system 110 illustrated in FIG. 5. Furthermore, this
cooling system 210 is additionally beneficial as the total length
of the system 210 may be reduced. This is possible as the alert
device 136 may be connected adjacent a first end of the motor 118,
reducing a total length of the drive shaft 132.
Alternative Clutch Embodiments
[0066] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a second clutch embodiment. In
this embodiment, the clutch 238 may include a hub 258 body having
engagement arms 242 defined by hinge apertures 254 within the hub
258. The hinge apertures 254 create living hinges 240 within the
hub 258, allowing the arms 242 to flex outward. The hub 258 may
have a generally cylindrical shape and is inserted within the
engagement body 156 of the drum 134. When the clutch 238 is
disengaged from the drum 134, the hub 258 may be positioned a same
distance from an inner surface of the engagement body 156, shown as
D2 in FIG. 10A.
[0067] Three hinge apertures 254 are spaced intermittently along
the body of hub 258 and form channels within the body of the hub
258. As shown in FIG. 10B, the hinge apertures 254 may form a
circular shape with a post extending therefrom on the front face of
the hub 258, in that they may have a rectangular body with a head
255 extending from one end. One end of the hinge aperture 254
rectangular body may begin on an outer perimeter surface of the hub
258 and the head 255 may be defined on an internal surface of the
hub 258, in other words, towards the central point of the hub 258.
Additionally, as the hinge apertures 254 may be defined along the
body of the hub 258, they may create channel having a head 255 and
a rectangular body through the length of the hub 258.
[0068] The hinge apertures 254 reduce a strength of the hub 258
body so that the hub 258 (specifically the engagement arms 242) can
flex at the apertures 254. The living hinge 240 is a narrower
portion of material and allows the arm 242 to flex upwards, without
breaking. For example, the living hinge 240 allows the engagement
arms 242 to flex outwards towards an inner surface of the
engagement body 156, so that the engagement arms 242 may contact
the inner surface of the engagement body 156. Similar to the
engagement members 154, the engagement arms 242 may include a
texturized or rough outer surface so that they may more easily
engage the inner surface of the engagement body 156.
[0069] As with the clutch 158 illustrated in FIG. 9, in this
embodiment, the clutch 258 may rotate within the drum 134 without
engaging the drum 134 until the select rotation speed is reached.
However, once the select rotational speed is reached, the
engagement arms 242 (via a centrifugal force) may be forced
outwards, bending at the living hinge 240. The engagement arms 242
at the correct centrifugal force may then engage an inner surface
of the engagement body 156, thus operably connecting the drive
shaft 132 and the drum 134.
[0070] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another example of the clutch
338. This example is similar to the clutch 238 illustrated in FIGS.
10A and 10B. However, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the clutch 358 may
include only two hinge apertures 354 spaced laterally through the
hub 358. As with the clutch 258 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B,
the hinge apertures 354 create engagement arms 342 by defining a
living hinge 340 within the body of the hub 358. The engagement
arms 342 extend outwards (rotating at the living hinge 340
location) to transverse the distance X to engage with the
engagement body 156.
[0071] The hinge apertures 354 may be shaped so that the body of
the hub 358 forms a general "S" shape within the engagement body
156. The hinge apertures 354 may each include two relatively
rectangular shapes angled outward towards the outer perimeter of
the hub 358. The two rectangles may generally intersect at
approximately a mid point of the hub 358 so that each hinge
aperture 354 has a corner or apex. Additionally, a terminal end of
each hinge aperture 354 may include a head 354. The head 354 has a
larger dimension than the rest of the hinge aperture 354 so as to
thin the material or body of the hub 358 to create the living hinge
340.
[0072] FIG. 12 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the clutch 448.
In this embodiment, the clutch 448 may include a ratchet 450 and a
pawl 420. The ratchet 450 may form a hub of the clutch and may
include teeth 452 extending radially around an outer surface of the
ratchet 450. The teeth 452 may be have be arcuate on one side and
the second side may be flat or partially concave. Basically, the
teeth 452 permit a ratchet motion in one direction and restriction
it in another.
[0073] The pawl 420 is operably connected to the engagement body
156 and is configured to selectively engage the ratchet 450. There
may be multiple pawls 420 spaced intermittently along an inner
surface of the engagement body 156. The pawls 420 may include a
main body 455 having an engagement portion 459 and a connection
portion 454. The engagement portion 459 may be shaped to generally
correspond to the teeth 452 of the ratchet 450. For example, one
side of the engagement portion 459 may be concave and one side may
be substantially straight. This is because the pawl 420 is
configured to engage the teeth 452 of the ratchet 450 when the
ratchet 450 rotates in one direction and configured to disengage
from the teeth 452 when the ratchet 450 rotates in a second
direction. The connection portion 454 extends from a back surface
of the main body 455 is operably connected to an inner surface of
the engagement body 156. The connection portion 454 may be formed
at a terminal end of a tail extending from the main body 455.
[0074] The ratchet 450 is operably associated with the pawl 420,
such that when the ratchet 450 rotates in a first direction D1, the
pawl 420 disengages from the ratchet 450. In other words, the teeth
420 may slide around the engagement portion 459 along the concave
side, so that the ratchet 450 may rotate but each pawl 420 may not.
If the ratchet 450 rotates in an opposing direction D2, the pawls
420 engage the drum 134. For example, as the ratchet 450 rotates in
the opposing direction D2, the teeth 452 abut against the
engagement portion 459, such that the flat sides of both the teeth
452 and the engage portion 459 are aligned. This alignment allows
the teeth 452 to push against the pawl 420, displacing the pawl
420. As the pawls 420 are operably connected to the drum 134 via
the connection portion 454, as the pawls 420 are rotated, the drum
134 also rotates.
[0075] The clutch 438 of FIG. 12 allows for the clutch 438 to be
selectively engaged, regardless of the speed of the drive shaft
132. For example, the ratchet 450 may rotate in direction D1 at
substantially any speed without engaging the pawls 420 and thus the
drum 134. Similarly, while rotating in direction D2, the ratchet
450 may engage the pawls 420, rotating the drum 134 at
substantially any speed. Thus, thus the alert device 136 (or other
device operably connected to the motor 118 via the clutch) may be
configured to be either on or off, irrespective of the rotational
speed of the drive shaft 132 or clutch.
Conclusion
[0076] The foregoing description has broad application. For
example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on operably
rotating a fan and an alert device, it should be appreciated that
the concepts disclosed herein equally apply to devices that may be
driven by a rotating shaft. In one example, the mobile computing
device may include two separate masses configured to selectively
rotate to provide increasing alerts. One mass may be configured to
rotate to produce a small vibration, and then for certain alerts
both masses (via the clutch configuration) may be rotated creating
a larger vibration. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment
is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that
the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to
these examples.
[0077] In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein,
various steps and operations are described in one possible order of
operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the steps and
operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without
necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in
detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit
of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *